Senator Pettyjohn’s updated bill to block regulation circulated for co-sponsorship.
DOVER, DE — Citing long-standing public opposition and the need to preserve consumer choice, Senate Republican leadership today expressed their support for Governor Matt Meyer’s stated opposition to Delaware’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate. Following the governor’s comments, Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown) circulated an updated version of 2023’s Senate Bill 96 to block the controversial regulation.
The mandate, initiated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) under former Governor John Carney, adopts a modified version of California’s Advanced Clean Car II regulations. Under the current regulation, 43% of new vehicles sold in Delaware by model year 2027 must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) or plug-in hybrid, with that figure rising incrementally to 82% by 2032.
“This was never about clean air, it was about control,” said Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker (R-Ocean View). “Delawareans have made it overwhelmingly clear they do not want an unelected state agency unilaterally dictating what kind of new cars they can or cannot buy.”
Republican lawmakers have opposed the mandate since it was first proposed nearly three years ago. In 2023, more than 93% of the nearly 5,000 public comments submitted to DNREC opposed the mandate. That same year, polling showed 73% of Delaware voters were against adopting California’s vehicle rules, including many who generally support environmental reforms.
“People deserve choices, not mandates,” said Senator Pettyjohn. “EVs may work well for some, but practically forcing them on everyone, especially without the infrastructure in place, is reckless. I thank Governor Meyer for recognizing that and listening to the people of Delaware instead of blindly following California’s lead.”
Senator Pettyjohn’s revised legislation was sent to legislators this afternoon for co-sponsorship consideration.
Senate Republicans reaffirmed their commitment to advancing clean energy solutions that are market-driven, affordable, attainable, and respectful of individual choice.
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